Note: begin by taking your bust and waist measurements. The largest of these will be measurement A. The width of the front/back piece will be measurement B. Cut out all pieces with height measurement on the fold
Dress front/back: cut two (divide meas. A by four, add 3.5cm = width) x (desired length minus 18.5cm^ = height) on the fold from jersey
Neckband: cut one 4.5cm x 56cm* strip from jersey
Top insert: cut two (meas. B = width) x 18.5cm (height) pieces on the fold from lace
Middle insert: cut two (meas. B = width) x 8cm (height) pieces on the fold from lace
Bottom insert: cut two (meas. B = width) x 10.5cm (height) pieces on the fold from lace
^ See Do The Maths panel
*If using a fabric with less stretch, you may need to add an extra 2cm to the neckband length.
1.5cm seam allowance used unless otherwise stated.

Adding panels of an interesting fabric like lace gives even the most simply constructed dresses extra oomph. Here, Julia Claridge has doubled up jersey to give this sleeveless shift dress...

Front: cut one from chambray
Back: cut one pair from chambray
Sleeve: cut one pair from chambray
Front neck facing: cut one each from chambray and interfacing
Back neck facing: cut one pair each from chambray and interfacing
1.5cm seam allowance used throughout.

Shift dresses have little shaping other than breast darts, making them both easy to sew and a comfortable choice for hotter days. This A-line design by Julia Claridge falls just...

Sizes 8-18Cutting guide
Freya Dress
Front and Back Dress: cut two on fold
Front Yoke: cut two on fold
Back Yoke: cut two on foldFreya Tunic
Front and Back Dress: cut two on fold and cut along line indicated on the pattern piece
Front Yoke: cut two on fold
Back Yoke: cut two on fold

These dress and tunic designs are easy to wear and versatile pieces for a summer wardrobe. The pattern could easily be extended to make a full-length maxi dress, ideally in...